Travel

Double-oh yeah! Enjoy Jamaica from Fleming’s former estate

WHAT: A 52-acre luxury resort consisting of 19 private units, found both beachside and along a serene, 4-acre lagoon. The estate originally consisted of one villa: the former home of James Bond author Ian Fleming. Music industry icon Chris Blackwell, raised in Jamaica, bought the grounds and turned it into an exclusive destination in 2010.

WHERE: Orcabessa on Jamaica’s north coast, surrounded by tropical gardens and fronting a private beach of soft, white sand with stone-walled extensions for private seating over the turquoise-blue sea.

WHY: Far from the madding crowds of Jamaica’s west coast, this is the kind of getaway you imagine was only for the manor born. Plus, waters calm enough for sports and clear enough for deep sea wonders.

GoldenEye Hotel and Resort in Oracabessa Bay, Jamaica.

WORKING WELL: The rooms are luxurious and understated, have ample indoor and outdoor spaces and are outfitted with stocked ice buckets and courtesy rum for leisurely cocktails. Small touches, like batik cotton bathrobes and wooden bowls of fruit (whole pineapples, papaya and oranges), are lovely. Bonus: The expert spa, and the myriad recreational activities on offer.

NEEDS WORK: The service was a little spotty, with our breakfast tray (and remaining food) left on our deck.

MUST-TRY: Drinks at the lounge attached to the Gazebo restaurant, built treehouse-style and overlooking both the beach and lagoon. It features mod, comfy seating, backgammon, glamorous vintage photographs and oversized art books. You’ll be tempted to order your martini shaken, not stirred.

GoldenEye Hotel and Resort in Oracabessa Bay, Jamaica.

DON’T MISS: Kayaking — the lagoon makes for a nature-rich, leisurely paddle; the sea is a more adventurous one for those with muscle.

COMPETITIVE EDGE: Goldeneye’s ties to Bond give it a playful touch (Vintage Classic books from the series, for instance, are found in the nightstands), and it has an admirable focus on sustainability — complete with a tradition of tree-planting in support of the local Orcabessa Foundation. The resort’s celeb-cred doesn’t hurt, either.

COST: Goldeneye’s lagoon cottages start at $925 until April 30 (oceanfront $1,125) and from $620 from May 1-Oct. 31 (oceanfront $800). Rates are per-accommodation, per-night, two people per room, and include full daily breakfast.